If the coronavirus pandemic has put you in a bind, where do you turn for help?
The City of Philadelphia might have the answer. Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration has been rolling out hotlines at a rapid pace, so residents now have dozens of numbers to call for information and services.
There are dedicated COVID-19 hotlines for domestic violence survivors, people going hungry, those facing eviction, small business owners and immigrants — so many that it’s been hard to keep track.
You can find most of these numbers and email addresses somewhere at phila.gov/covid, but the info is scattered in various press releases, blog posts, guidance documents and microsites.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded them up below.
Philly coronavirus helpline directory
Coronavirus
The city’s 24/7 coronavirus hotline, where you can speak with a medical professional: 1-800-722-7112.
If you want regular text updates, message COVIDPHL to 888-777.
Business closures
If you think you see a business currently operating when it hasn’t been designed essential, you can report it to Philly311 or call 215-686-8686.
Finances
Need federal, state or local benefits? Find out the benefits for which you might be eligible by calling BenePhilly at 844-848-4376.
If you need financial counseling, call the city’s Financial Empowerment department at 855-346-7445.
Nonprofit relief
Learn more about the city’s nonprofit relief fund, PHL COVID-19 Fund, by emailing covid-19@philafound.org.
Small business relief
To learn more about the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, call 215-683-2100.
Transportation
If you need a refund on your March SEPTA transpass, call the public transit agency at 855-567-6782.
Domestic violence
To speak with a domestic violence advocate, call the domestic violence hotline 866-723-3014.
If you want to file a protection from abuse order remotely, you can email TempPFA@courts.phila.gov or call the domestic violence unit between 8:30 at 11 a.m. at 215-686-6311, ext. 19217.
Need legal advice related to domestic violence? Call the Women Against Abuse Legal Center at 215-686-7082. You’ll be directed to leave a message and safe number for an advocate to call you back.
For immigrant survivors of domestic violence, call the Nationality Service Center at 215-893-8400, ext. 1532.
If you need services regarding human trafficking, you can call the Nationality Service Center at 215-893-8400, ext. 1575 or the Salvation Army at 267-838-5866.
Evictions
All evictions during the coronavirus pandemic are illegal — so if you’re getting evicted, you can call 911.
You can also reach the city’s tenant hotline at 267-443-2500.
Immigration
For services regarding immigration, call HIAS PA at 215-832-0900.
Immigrant survivors of domestic violence can call the Nationality Service Center for help at 215-893-8400, ext. 1532.
African and Caribbean immigrants or refugees can email caitlin@afaho.org.
Southeast Asian communities can call SEAMAAC 215-467-0690.
Schools
If you have any questions for the School District of Philadelphia — whether about educational services or free meals — you can call them up at any of their 10 hotlines, each offered in a different language:
English: 215-400-5300
Albanian: 215-400-8480
Arabic: 215-400-8481
Chinese: 215-400-8482
Khmer: 215-400-8484
French: 215-400-8483
Russian: 215-400-8474
Spanish: 215-400-8485
Vietnamese: 215-400-8489
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